BRISBANE, Australia: Australian researchers are launching a koala “facial recognition” study that aims to better monitor the marsupials’ behaviour and ultimately aid in their conservation.

The team from Griffith University is attempting to use artificial intelligence (AI) to recognise individual furry mammals when they use wildlife road crossings in Queensland state.

The underground pathways and bridges are installed at busy roads near koala habitats to offer them a safer route away from cars.